The liaison officer clears his throat. "We could consider reassignment. A fresh placement, away from Ms. Ellis. Less visibility."
My chest tightens. "You're pulling me from the bookstore."
"We're protecting the program," Blair says. "And you. This attention isn't healthy for anyone."
"It's not attention I asked for." My voice rises despite efforts to stay calm. "People took photos. A blogger twisted them. That's not my fault."
"No one's assigning blame." Blair folds her hands. "But perception matters. Right now, the perception is the program enables inappropriate relationships instead of fostering professional growth."
"Inappropriate." The word lands like a slap. "Because I'm orc."
Silence drops heavy.
Blair's expression doesn't shift. "Because mixing personal and professional creates complications the program isn't designed to handle."
"If I were human, we wouldn't be having this conversation." I lean forward. "You'd call it networking. Building community connections. But because I'm green and she's not, suddenly it's a problem."
"That's not fair," the liaison officer starts.
"Isn't it?" I look between them. "Tell me honestly. If a human volunteer started dating a business owner, would you pull them? Review their placement? Or would you smile and say 'how nice' and move on?"
No one answers.
Blair stands. "Mr. Venn, I understand you're upset. But this isn't about prejudice. It's about maintaining program integrity. I'm recommending reassignment pending review. You'll remain on the program roster but work with a different placement. Effective immediately."
"Councilwoman, this is premature," Darius argues. "Stone deserves due process. A chance to respond formally."
"He just did." Blair collects her folder. "The review panel will convene next week. Until then, he's suspended from the Ellis Books placement."
She walks out. The door clicks shut with terrible finality.
I sit frozen. Can't process. Can't breathe past the anger and hurt crushing my ribs.
The liaison officer looks uncomfortable. "For what it's worth, your work has been exemplary. This isn't personal."
"Feels pretty damn personal." I stand. The chair scrapes loud. "Am I dismissed?"
"Stone," Darius says quietly.
"Am I dismissed?" I repeat, louder.
The officer nods. "We'll be in touch."
I leave. Don't trust myself to stay. Outside, the morning air hits cold and sharp. People hurry past on sidewalks. Normal lives. Normal problems.
I'm a spectacle. Always will be. Big green orc trying to fit where he doesn't belong. Crashing through awnings and hearts and carefully constructed integration programs.
My phone alerts. Lacy.
How did it go?
I read the text. Can't answer. Can't tell her I've been pulled. That our relationship just cost me the placement I needed. That loving her made me a problem to be managed.
Another buzz. This time voices drift from an open window above. The civic building's break room, second floor.
"Blair's making an example of him," someone says.
"Harsh, but maybe necessary. Can't have the program looking like a dating service."
